Miniconda
Miniconda is a free, minimal installer that sets up conda, Python and their dependencies in a base environment.
What Miniconda is
Miniconda is a free, minimal installer that sets up conda, Python and their dependencies in a base environment. Users can then create project environments from scratch. Conda installs software, resolves dependencies and isolates projects, so updating one project does not affect another. Miniconda offers access to the same package repositories and environment-management capabilities as Anaconda Distribution. It is intended for people comfortable with the command line who know which packages they need, and it can serve as a lightweight base for containers, CI/CD pipelines and other automated workflows. The minimal installation has no graphical interface or extra packages. It supports Windows, macOS and Linux, with at least 400 MB of disk space required. Miniconda uses Anaconda’s Basic Repository by default; users of the newest release are prompted to accept repository terms before accessing Anaconda repositories. Installing Miniconda does not itself require a commercial license based on organization size, but package updates may trigger licensing requirements.
Good
- Free to download, install, use and update
- Keeps project environments isolated
- Available for Windows, macOS and Linux
Watch out
- No graphical interface or extra packages included
- Requires at least 400 MB of disk space
- Repository access or updates may trigger licensing requirements
Who it suits
Miniconda suits command-line users who know which packages they need and want to manage isolated Python project environments. It can also be a starting point for containers and automated workflows.
Verdict
Miniconda provides a lean starting point for users who prefer to assemble their own environments. Be prepared to work at the command line and review repository terms and licensing conditions for package access.
Plans and prices
From Miniconda's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Miniconda | Free | Minimal installer with conda, Python, and dependencies · 400 MB minimum disk space · repository access may require a commercial license for organizations with 200 or more employees/contractors · Free to download, install, use, and update; package access through Anaconda’s repositories is subject to its Terms of Service. |
The facts
Each one read from Miniconda's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Architecture support
- The listed architectures are 64-bit x86 for Windows, Apple Silicon ARM64 for macOS, and 64-bit x86 or aarch64 for Linux.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Automation use
- Anaconda describes Miniconda as a lightweight starting point for containers, CI/CD pipelines, and other automated workflows.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Download verification
- Anaconda’s Miniconda download index lists installer filenames, sizes, modification dates, and SHA256 checksums.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Environment management
- Conda installs software, resolves dependencies, and keeps projects isolated so updating one project does not break another.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Installation permissions
- Anaconda recommends a local-user installation, which does not require administrator permissions; system-wide installation is also possible with administrator permissions.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License condition
- Miniconda installation itself does not require a commercial license for organizations over 200 employees or contractors, but access to package updates can trigger licensing requirements.checked 4 Oct 2026
- No graphical interface
- Miniconda includes no graphical interface or extra packages in its minimal installation.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The current system requirements list Windows 11 version 23H2 or later, macOS 12.1 or later for Apple Silicon, and Linux.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Package access
- Miniconda provides access to the same package repositories and environment management capabilities as Anaconda Distribution.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Miniconda installs conda, Python, and their dependencies in a minimal base environment so users can build project environments from scratch.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Repository terms
- Miniconda points to Anaconda’s Basic Repository by default, and users of the newest release are prompted to accept repository terms before accessing Anaconda repositories.checked 4 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The installer requires at least 400 MB of disk space; current Linux installers require glibc 2.28 or later.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- Anaconda recommends Miniconda for users comfortable at the command line who know which packages they need.checked 4 Oct 2026
The company
- Company
- Anaconda was founded by Peter Wang and Travis Oliphant in 2012.checked 4 Oct 2026
